GLASGOW — The world’s two largest coal producers cast a big shadow on Day 2 of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) as stated commitments from India and China fell well below that of climate action needed to keep global warming in line with the Paris Agreement.
Speaking at the World Leaders Summit in Glasgow, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced plans to reach carbon neutrality by 2070 — a significant promise for one of the last remaining holdouts to set net-zero emissions goals among major economies — but the date falls two decades beyond what scientists say is necessary to avert a climate catastrophe.
"I’m happy to report that a developing country like India, which is working to lift millions out of poverty and working on their ease of living, accounts for 17% of the world’s population but only 5% of the world’s carbon emissions," Modi said, adding that India is “the only major economy that has delivered” on the “letter and spirit” of the Paris Agreement.
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Modi’s pledge marked one of the most critical moments of a day filled with promises by leaders to accelerate action to combat climate change. At the same time, his remarks pointed to growing contention between advanced nations that spew most emissions and developing countries that have been disproportionately affected by the impact of climate change.
India has long resisted calls to set more concrete targets on climate, with officials dismissing the push to net-zero as an exercise in “goal post shifting.”
While developed nations have yet to meet the $100 billion it vowed to contribute to help poorer countries reduce its emissions output, Modi called on nations to increase their share by calling for $1 trillion in climate financing.
Modi laid out a five-point plan that included aims to increase India’s non-fossil energy capacity to 500 Gigawatts by 2030, with half of the country’s energy requirements coming from renewables. Modi also vowed to reduce the carbon intensity of its economy to less than 45 percent in the same time span.
Modi's plan made no reference to the future of coal in India, the world’s second largest producer and consumer behind China. Coal-fired power generation remains the single largest emitter globally, making up for 30 percent of all energy-related carbon emissions, according to data from the IEA.
As recently as last month, India’s environment minister remained defiant against criticism of the country’s coal usage, saying India’s coal consumption would increase.